ORDER ONLY: Maidstone and Spillett

[alt_alice]

Bill --

We don't have much on Spillett, but from what Davidson was able to pass along, there were rumours both from those inside the camp and from workers in offices in other camps that the records at Maidstone are in a state of disarray. Apparently, there's lots of backlog going back to the Plague year (and possibly before that). I'm not sure if that's connected to financial concerns, but it very well could be.

He also might take liberties with some of the camp residents, but there was some debate over the buttons as to whether that was gossip or substantiated.

That's the most news I can pass along at the moment.

We might take advantage of the disorganisation to slip out a few more people than we would, depending on how much scrutiny he'll be under, of course.

Davidson told me he's also been working to spread the news of the reduction in rations so people there can start putting supplies by in preparation. He was on board for the slow-down plan too.

Comments

[alt_bill]

Thanks, Alice. I think that's enough to make me less worried about passing a tip along to Auror Lamont.

[alt_bill]

And pass along my thanks to Davidson, please. Coordination will help with minimising the pain.

[alt_bill]

She was certainly pleased about the tip, and it looks as if she's going to follow up about it directly.

[alt_bill]

Oh, also: I gave a very innocuous report to Mulciber about the administrator at Sevenoaks, Beatrix Beerling, because I didn't want to draw any particular attention to her. I said that she was efficient, answered questions promptly, and I anticipated no trouble with her.

While that's true, what drew my interest is that while her replies were polite and her words suggested every appearance of deference and cooperation, her body language was telling me something quite different. And something in her tone of voice.

It was subtle, but I'm sure it was there. She hated what I was asking her to do. What's more she hated me as Mulciber's representative.

I've taken a quick look at her file. She's a recent promotion, and there were two instances of her lodging complaints about her superiour (who has recently retired) for 'following improper procedures.' The improper procedures led to the death of muggles.

I dunno. Maybe it's just an overactive imagination or a misplaced sense of optimism.

Or perhaps Ms Beerling is someone who has found herself in a similar position to me? She's been promoted into a job where she has to do stuff she hates, and she's trying to walk a fine ethical line because there's a chance she might be able to help people.

Do we have anyone with a button in that camp? I think we need to find out more about her. She's someone whose acquaintance we might do well to cultivate...or at least she might be willing to look the other way if we build a strong network node right under her nose.

[alt_kingsley]

Now that's an interesting tidbit, my friend.

I'll check with Davidson about any contacts we might have at Sevenoaks or thereabouts. Let's hope that something useful comes of this.